Myanmar's military government is seeking to regain regional legitimacy through closer engagement with ASEAN, as junta chief Min Aung Hlaing visits Cambodia despite ongoing conflict and widespread international criticism.

Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, on Friday as part of the military government's efforts to restore diplomatic ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and strengthen its international legitimacy.

The visit marks another step in the junta's campaign to overcome years of diplomatic isolation following the military coup in 2021, which overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and plunged Myanmar into a prolonged political and armed crisis.

Min Aung Hlaing assumed the presidency in April following an election held under military rule, which critics said was designed to entrench the junta's grip on power. Since then, the military-led administration has accelerated efforts to normalize relations with ASEAN member states and expand its diplomatic engagement abroad.

ASEAN outreach amid ongoing criticism

The junta's attempts to improve its standing within ASEAN have drawn criticism because of its failure to implement the bloc's Five-Point Consensus, a peace plan that calls for an immediate end to violence, dialogue among all parties, mediation by an ASEAN special envoy, humanitarian assistance, and access for the envoy to meet all stakeholders in the conflict.

After taking office as president, Min Aung Hlaing pledged to normalize relations with ASEAN and strengthen Myanmar's international partnerships. His trip to Cambodia marks his fourth visit to an ASEAN member state since assuming the presidency.

In recent months, the Myanmar leader has also visited India, China, Laos, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Russia and Vietnam in an effort to expand political ties and attract foreign investment, moves widely seen as part of the junta's campaign to break its international isolation.

Rights groups condemn Cambodia visit

Cambodia has maintained relations with Myanmar's military authorities, but Phnom Penh's decision to host Min Aung Hlaing has sparked criticism from human rights advocates and Cambodia's opposition.

The Khmer Movement for Democracy (KMD), an organization founded by exiled Cambodian opposition leaders, condemned the visit, warning that Cambodia should not become a "back door" for Myanmar's junta to circumvent ASEAN's diplomatic pressure.

KMD President Mu Sochua cautioned that extending full state protocol and an official welcome to Min Aung Hlaing could create the impression that the junta enjoys democratic legitimacy.

Human rights organization Fortify Rights also urged Cambodia to cancel the visit, arguing that Phnom Penh should not confer political legitimacy on Myanmar's military rulers. The organization further called on Cambodian authorities to arrest and surrender Min Aung Hlaing to the International Criminal Court should an arrest warrant be issued.

In 2024, the International Criminal Court's prosecutor requested an arrest warrant for Min Aung Hlaing over alleged crimes against humanity committed against Rohingya Muslims in western Myanmar.

Cambodia's role under scrutiny

Cambodia played a more active diplomatic role during its 2022 ASEAN chairmanship. Then-Prime Minister Hun Sen visited Myanmar and met Min Aung Hlaing, becoming the first foreign leader to travel to the country after the military takeover.

Critics argue that Cambodia's decision to host the junta leader could weaken ASEAN's collective pressure on Myanmar to end the violence and pursue a political settlement.

During his two-day visit, Min Aung Hlaing is expected to hold talks with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, Prime Minister Hun Manet and other senior officials. (ILKHA)